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Are you an experienced Paralegal looking for genuine development and progression within a supportive Litigation team?Are you part way through qualifying as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive and looking for a business that will actively support that journey?
If so, BW Legal could be the next step in your career. We're recruiting a Paralegal (Senior Grade) to join our Litigation team, where clear progression routes and active support for SQE and CILEx qualifications mean many colleagues have progressed from Paralegal or Legal Administrator roles into key positions within the firm.
We are the UK's largest independent debt recovery law firm, instructed by a wide range of clients across multiple sectors. We are not a traditional law firm and are proud to be a dual-accredited Investors in People employer, holding Gold accreditation for our People standards and Platinum for Wellbeing.
Our Litigation team is engaging and collaborative, offering tailored development, recognition and support. Feedback from all roles is valued, and colleagues are encouraged to think creatively to deliver practical, commercial outcomes for our clients.
What we're looking for
We are seeking an experienced Paralegal (Senior Grade) with the skills, experience and behaviours to thrive in a fast-paced litigation environment. You will be able to demonstrate:
* At least 2 years of experience managing a defended debt recovery litigation caseload
* Experience dealing with defended County Court claims, including defences, part admissions, counterclaims and applications
* A strong working knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules
* The ability to review evidence and make clear legal and commercial recommendations
* Confidence handling written, email and telephone correspondence with customers, clients, courts and third parties
* A collaborative approach, with experience supporting junior colleagues and working closely with Senior Solicitors
* LPC or CILEx Level 6 (desirable), or equivalent experience gained in a litigation role
* A Law degree or suitable conversion qualification (GDL) (desirable)
What you'll be doing
You will manage a caseload of defended County Court claims under the supervision of a Senior Solicitor, with exposure to increasingly complex and technical matters across a range of debt recovery sectors, including financial services, utilities, telecommunications, B2B and private parking/statutory penalties.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Managing defended claims, including defences, part admissions, counterclaims and applications
* Reviewing initial case assessments and evidence, making legal and commercial recommendations on case progression
* Handling correspondence with customers, clients, courts, third parties and internal departments
* Proactively negotiating with customers and third parties to resolve matters amicably and on commercial terms
* Drafting witness statements and pleadings, including replies, defences and counterclaims, particulars of claim and trial bundles
* Drafting instructions to advocates attending hearings
* Preparing ad-hoc applications, including appeals, set aside applications, relief from sanctions and claims against clients
* Assisting Solicitors with legal research and highly complex contested matters
You will work closely with a Senior Solicitor and will also support the development of junior colleagues by sharing best practice, knowledge and case strategy.
Your working week will be 6 hours per day, Monday to Friday, based at our Leeds office. Shifts will either be 9am-3pm or 10am-4pm, with start times to be confirmed with the successful candidate at appointment stage.
The starting salary is £27,000 - £30,000 banding depending on experience for a 30-hour week, with overtime available after successful completion of probation. Senior Grade Paralegals also receive annual performance-based reviews that recognise and reward your achievements.
Rewarding your commitment and success
At BW Legal, we believe that when life feels balanced, work feels better. That's why we're committed to creating an environment where colleagues feel supported to be their best, both professionally and personally.
Our Balance Within wellbeing strategy takes a holistic approach, offering a comprehensive package of support to help you find what balance looks like for you. From health and personal development to lifestyle support, our benefits package worth over £10,000 in your first year will help you thrive at work and beyond.
Benefits include:
30 hour working week
Free offsite parking (saving you up to £9 a day compared to local car parks)
23 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays
In addition, paid leave on your birthday, as well as on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve when falling on a weekday
Flexible holiday policy: use, buy and sell holiday (within policy limits), as well as enjoy flexibility as some holiday allowance can used by the hour
Extra holiday for length of service: 1 extra day earned following your 2nd, 3rd and 4th year of service
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Business-casual dress code
Enjoy a Secure Future with our Financial Rewards
Here Living Our Values: a monthly and quarterly tax and NI free bonus based on attendance and punctuality, worth up to £828 in your first year, rising to a maximum of £4,194 by your sixth year of employment
Death in service cover: Financial protection worth six times your annual salary
Income protection: receive 75% of your salary for up to two years if you're unable to work (subject to eligibility criteria)
Discounted shopping: access discounts and savings at thousands of UK retailers with My Staff Shop (with the average user saving over £1,000 per year!)
Travel support: Free parking, bus discounts with First and Arriva, and secure cycle storage facilities.
Money4U with Leeds Credit Union: access to preferential savings and loans rates
Contributory pension scheme
British Gas discount: Access to an exclusive money-saving energy tariff for your gas and electricity
Discounted legal services: 10% off personal legal services with Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, including conveyancing, family law and will writing
Elevate yourself with our Personal Growth Rewards
Learn and Earn: top up your income with up to £720 per year by investing in your personal and professional development outside of working hours
Learning and Development allowance: paid time to learn during working hours
Professional qualifications: financial and study support, from apprenticeships to specialist degree-level courses
Power Up your wellbeing with our Health Rewards
Free gym membership with our local partner, or discounted membership at over 3,600 gyms nationwide
On Site GP: access to a specialist prescribing GP who comes on-site fortnightly
Virtual GP: access to virtual 24/7 prescribing GP for you and your family
On-Site Physiotherapist: Support for aches, pains and injury prevention, whether you need treatment or proactive care, available at a 10% discount to our colleagues
Health cash back plan: Claim back up to £3,700 on dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions and wellbeing treatments.
Discounted dentistry: Reduced rates on dental plans and 10% off treatments with Leeds Dental Clinic
Employee assistance: 24/7 helpline, including up to 8 free counselling sessions
Wellbeing supported by colleague ambassadors: dedicated champions for wellbeing, learning and development, and menopause, who listen, gather feedback, and guide colleagues to the right support and resources.
Early intervention: support for colleagues who are experiencing health issues to support them staying in or returning to work
Be Connected and Conscious with our Engagement Rewards
Colleague events: From darts and bowling to quizzes and parties, there are plenty of opportunities to connect and unwind together.
Regular charity fundraising for local causes through games, raffles and more
BW Legal is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential and thrive in our welcoming and exciting culture. Join us and be part of our success!
As a proud Disability Confident employer, we are committed to equal opportunities for all. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know at [email protected].
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